Interview: Katherine Tarbox (Author of Katie.com)
Written by: Katherine                          

"Thirteen-year-old Katherine Tarbox never thought that she would invite a sexual predator into the bedroom of her Connecticut home. A bright young woman from a stable family, Katherine was beginning a new school year as she always had-choir practice, swim meets, parties. As other schoolmates began to pair off, Katherine found herself hoping to meet someone who felt for her in that special way others were discovering. It was a teen chat room in September 1995 that Katherine met a boy who seemed too good to be true."

"His name was Mark, and like Katherine he was interested in music, current events, and clothing. Mark quickly became Katherine's confidante; he listened to her, understood her, and later, according to his e-mails, loved her. But Mark was not all that he portrayed himself to be. After six months of internet correspondence, Katherine finally agreed to see Mark at an upcoming swim meet in Dallas, Texas. What Katherine discovered in their brief rendezvous-that Mark was actually 41-year-old Francis John Kufrovich-dramatically changed the next two years of her life, and set a precedent by being the first person to successfully prosecute a pedophile under the 1996 Communications Decency Act-an act passed to protect minors against sexual predators on the internet." - Penguin Putnam

          This basically sums up the memoir by author Katherine (Katie) Tarbox. Hers is the first memoir ever to address teenage life online. It gives insight into the ways that today's high-tech world affects the lives of young adults. Although her book addresses the issue of "Mark" in solid detail - it also describes the road of where she got to where she was and the way she was treated on the way. At times shocking and eye opening, the pages turn as did her life. In attempt to educate parents and teens alike Katie wrote an honest tale based on a true story - her own. You can grab a copy of her book, "Katie.com" from her publisher Penguin Putnam Inc., in stores everywhere.

Modamag.com has caught up with this risk taking young author for an interview. Here's what she had to say:

Modamag.com: Why did you decide to write your story?
Katie Tarbox: It was so important for me to get a message out that helped young girls. There is not a lot of education regarding internet pedophilia. I thought the strongest message would be if I told my story, so girls could see a bit of themselves and realize this can and does happen, and that you are at risk on the Internet.

Modamag.com: When I was reading your book, I had to keep myself from screaming how could you think it's your fault? And reflecting back, I remember when something similar happened to me, I also felt guilt. Why did you feel guilty?
Katie Tarbox: I think it's easy to feel shame in this type of situation. I was 13, I thought I knew the world and I thought I was mature. I technically sent emails to him, and went to go see him, and because I thought I was so mature I thought I was just as guilty. It was until I realized how naive and immature I really was, did I realize that I wasn't guilty. That in fact, there was a very sick pedophile who was that much more experienced playing with my mind.

Modamag.com: The reactions of people around you were also inclined to place the guilt on you. Why do you think they would? Especially, considering his record.
Katie Tarbox: I think the reactions around me were due to ignorance. No one had understood this type of crime, and all they heard was that I went to his hotel room. I didn't bother to fill them in on the details, that was my private life and I chose to not talk about it. It was just the typical blame the victim, assume she is a slut or alone and isolated. It's society’s ignorance.

Modamag.com: I noticed that your mother has become more compassionate towards you as it advanced?
Katie Tarbox: In general my mother has become more compassionate. When she finally understood what was really involved and what went on, then she was very compassionate.

Modamag.com: Does Mark still exist for you?
Katie Tarbox: Not at all.

Modamag.com: Are you still naive and immature, in a sense?
Katie Tarbox: I don't think so. Though I will turn 20 in Jan. and I used to think that was so old. I am learning I still have much to learn in this life.

Modamag.com: right now. Do you connect more with adults or with those your age?
Katie Tarbox: I feel like a chameleon because I think can connect very well with both. I think it's one of my strongest traits

Modamag.com: How did the writing process of this book affect you?
Katie TarBox: It was the most theraputic thing I could have ever done for myself. It was a process that help me to realize how I could go from being this honors student, etc to a victim in a courtroom. I finally felt healed when it was done.

Modamag.com: How did you go about publishing it?
Katie TarBox: I found a literary agent, who sent it out to publishing houses. That makes it sound simple, I know, but that's how you do it.

Modamag.com: What was the experience like going through the whole process of promoting it?
Katie TarBox: Strange, but exciting. I mean it's pressure but fun.

Modamag.com: Your next book is about your college experience. Do you prefer to write non-fiction?
Katie TarBox: Yes. For right now. I believe you can't write fiction well until you have mastered non-fiction. I feel like I should write about the experiences I know about right now. I think young writers should focus on what they know, and what I know is non-fiction.

Modamag.com: I read that you have attended the Junior Breadloaf Conference. [A prestigious writing conference, held by the Breadloaf school of English] How was it?
Katie Tarbox: Great, I had a wonderful time. It was out in the woods. It was before I was published, but it was for teens

Modamag.com: Are there any specific plans [for your life]?
Katie Tarbox: Just be happy. I think one of the most exciting parts of life is that I never know where it's going to take me. That doesn't mean I am passive, but take advantage of opportunities that come my way. I could have NEVER imagined at 13 this is where I would be. That excites me.

 You can visit Katherine's site at: KatieT.com

Katy is the editor of Modamag.com. She has written and edited for various publications and is deeply in love with film and the fine arts. Her last interview was with 3 time Tony nominee Sheldon Epps. modamag@modamag.com >>Previous Page